A lie detector test is used to determine if the subject is lying about the statements that he has made regarding the accounts of an event, particularly those involving crimes. During the examination, the subject is put under observation by the equipment of the polygraph which is attached to his body and along with that, he is under continuous observation of the examiner who is an expert in forensic Psychophysiology. It is based on the principle that when a subject is lying during stating facts regarding an event, it produces involuntary physiological changes which the lie detector can detect. The instrument measures and records the blood pressure, pulse, respiration and sweat glands of the subject. The belief is that deceptive answers during the polygraph test will produce responses in the above-mentioned aspects which are different from those of true answers.

The Lie Detector

This machine is connected to different medical components which measure and record four to six physiological responses of the subject. They all measure the physiological responses caused due to the sympathetic nervous system during questioning. There are transducers in the equipment which read the information received and turn them into digital signals that are stored on the computer and also visible on the monitor. The computer uses high level mathematical algorithms to analyse this information. The modern scientific methods have been created by using the knowledge of physiology, psychology, pharmacology, toxicology, etc. in determining whether the subject is being deceptive or not. The human body has a nervous control which has two parts – the central nervous system made up of the brain and the spinal cord; the autonomic nervous system made up of sympathetic and parasympathetic.
Our central nervous system primarily controls all the sensory functions which occur above a threshold and might be voluntary. However, the autonomic nervous system produces autonomic responses from the body. When a person is under duress or influence of fear, emotions or excitement, it is the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system which starts producing changes in the heart and pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration and perspiration, voice tracing etc. So when the investigation is going on with the polygraph attached to the subject’s body in front of the examiner, it is believed that the sympathetic nervous system starts acting and produces changes physiologically which the polygraph records. This is how the polygraph is able to measure and record the responses of the subject to various questions and determine the difference between truth and lie. The three medical instruments that the polygraph consists of are

Cardio-sphygmograph

The cardio-sphygmograph is a combination of a cardiograph and a sphygmograph. It doesn’t look much different from the regular blood pressure cuff that doctors use. The cuff is tied around the subject’s arms and it remains inflated during the investigation stage, which is usually about half an hour long. When the blood flows through the veins, it creates a sound which is transmitted through the air filled in the cuff which is used to amplify that sound. The blood pressure is measured by the amplitude of the sound and the heart rate is measured by the frequent changes occurring in the sound.

Pneumograph

The Pneumograph is another instrument of the polygraph which is used to measure the subject’s respiratory rate. There are two air filled rubber tubes, one of which is tied across the subject’s chest and the other around his waist. As the subject breathes, even the most minute changes are caught by the air filled tubes and that data is saved on the polygraph.

Galvanograph

The galvanograph is the instrument which records the perspiration that is produced. The skin on our fingertips consists of a high density of sweat glands, which makes it an ideal location to measure the amount of perspiration. The equipment has galvanometers, which are electrical sensors that are attached to the subject’s fingertips. The amount of sweat touching the galvanometers is indirectly proportional to the resistance of the electrical current passing through it. The changes happening in the sweat glands are recorded by the polygraph. Many forensic psychophysiologists believe that the pneumograph and the cardiosphygmograph are more informative and accurate than the data from galvanometer.

Once the lie detector test is over, the polygrams are produced which are composite records of the Cariosphymograph, pneumograph and the galvanograph readings recorded from the series of answers. The forensic psychophysiologist analyses the subject’s responses to all the questions that were asked during the test and gives scores for each of them. The total score is calculated and if it is large and positive enough, then the subject is believed to be true, but if it is largely negative, then the subject is believed to have been deceptive during the test. If the score is in some case close to zero, it means that the test was inconclusive.

The Lie detectors UK Examiners use the latest research and applies latest techniques and thus stays up to date in moving the industry ahead with a greater pace. The American Polygraph Association conference, which will be held in the month of September this year in America will be attended by us and we can understand why research is so important by reading below.

The research on scientific polygraph has been conducted by people ever since 1917 when the Harvard psychologist William Marston published his first lie detection experiment. Ever since the experiment was published, thousands of articles and experimental reports has been published on the matter showing the strengths, weakness and potential of the polygraph testing. Many major techniques and theories on polygraph testing have been developed over time and the names such as Keeler, Larson, Reid and Backster has been associated with it. Each of this person has made very important contributions in their respective fields. Their contributions to the field have played an important role in the evolution of polygraphy. When a new idea is launched that seems promising, it is very important to take a long and an objective look at it and determine how effective it is. This process of looking at it in detail and determining its potential is called research. What the definition of research means in a practical sense is that polygraph research shows us our capability of how good we can become and what we have to do to achieve it. If the research is not performed properly, it could result in the failure of the theory in its initial stage. Hence a long and detailed research is must before moving ahead with any conclusion.

Some Research Evaluated Theories

In order to check the worth of a theory, scientists often perform experiments to determine it. During an initial stage of a theory, it is nothing but an interesting idea. At this stage, no one can predict the real value of it. To evaluate such a theory, the best way is to test it in an unbiased and objective experimental setting. For example, when control/comparison question test (CQT) was a theory and it was proposed, the only way to determine its potential was by studying it in experimental conditions. It was important that the experiment should be tested by people other than the one who developed it, i.e. people other than John Reid, who was the developer as the other people didn’t have anything to do with the experiment. Many scientists tested the theory and concluded it to be accurate. This validated the theory of Reid’s.

Some Research Evaluates Techniques

A research is not a justification as it is merely a development of an idea in its initial stage. It helps to identify the best test formats, question types, instrumentations and scoring systems and helps to determine how good the theory is. For example, many experiments have shown that Zone of Comparison Test (ZCT) can be 96% accurate which means that when DI and NDI decision is made, those decisions are 96% accurate. This doesn’t mean that whenever you and I perform a ZCT we can claim 96% accuracy. We can only claim such level of accuracy when we do everything exactly the same way like the researcher did including the pretext interview, question formulation and sequencing, numerical scoring techniques, etc. If any of these values are changed, the accuracy will not support. Conversely, if research shows that the testing technique is not particularly accurate, we cannot say that it is better than another.

How Polygraph Research Benefits You and Me

Research literature, i.e. reading and understanding scientific experiments help to move from option to fact. It gives us the option to pick and choose amongst different techniques and approaches and to identify the best way available. Once we are able to achieve it, there are several practical benefits that accrue to us:

Knowing the Polygraph research literature helps with the job
Using the best valid technique in situations helps to gain high overall accuracy. The technique we learned in the polygraph school might not be the most valid, but if we are serious about our job, the research might say that it’s time to change.

We become better expert witness after knowing the polygraph research literature
When you’re testifying at trial, the court gets impressed by experts who base their opinions on the objectives and scientific research and you are able to support your opinion with such information. Having such knowledge makes you a credible expert witness.

Knowing polygraph research literature makes us more successful in the private sector
Many people don’t know this, but serious scientists have been performing polygraph research for decades. Most of this research has been published in most prestigious scientific journals. Once they realise that such research literature exists, they start to rely on you for information, thus making you a more valuable asset than before.

]]>https://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/the-value-of-polygraph-research/feed/0Why we chose Mind (Mental Health Charity) as our designated charityhttps://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/chose-mind-mental-health-charity-designated-charity/
https://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/chose-mind-mental-health-charity-designated-charity/#respondWed, 09 Aug 2017 11:00:56 +0000https://www.liedetectortest.uk/?p=153086We are proud supporters of mental health charity Mind (www.mind.org.uk) Mental Health and Distressed Callers Over the many calls we receive we often encounter distressed people who through the toll of hardship, suffering or ongoing trust issues become more susceptible to mental ill health. Although, we are able to help clients in finding the truth […]

Mental Health and Distressed Callers

Over the many calls we receive we often encounter distressed people who through the toll of hardship, suffering or ongoing trust issues become more susceptible to mental ill health. Although, we are able to help clients in finding the truth and bringing closure to matters in many cases the pain and suffering has been over a prolonged period and both parties can often have been suffering in silence. There is also proven evidence to suggest that the trauma of infidelity can continue long after the event and have a continual affect on mental health.

Psychological Well-being

Infidelity and suspicions can be long and drawn out in terms of keeping the people involved in a heightened state of arousal and constant rumination of negative thoughts. At our best we can assist to verify the truth and disprove lies but when it comes to dealing with the outcome, organisations like Mind in the UK are very important in assisting people and advising on recovery. In many cases with our clients we encounter historical issues which have formed an under belly in the thought trails and resulted in low mood, low self esteem and the

The following video from Mind, highlights some tips on how to relax when under stress.

Our work is about discovering the truth but in terms of the mental strain we are not trained to provide assistance and guidance. We chose Mind as it is an organisation that can help with advice and guidance and should you any way concerned then please reach out to them, we have provided their details below.

Handling the results of the Lie Detector Test can also be difficult as they may confirm your thoughts or alternatively cause a sense of shock or anger. There are various self help techniques such as mindfulness which are available and can help in handling the emotions you feel when receiving the results. We would recommend that you seek help in all cases where you feel that the news has affected your mental state and such is the nature of receiving shocking or revealing news that negative primary emotions may be evoked. It is important to prepare and think about positive actions to handle multiple outcomes but to do so in a proactive way and not involve yourself in negative self-talk.

In a recent meeting we looked at various causes to nominate as our designated charity. Mind is a very helpful organisation and as part of our new protocol, where we find clients that our particular in a state of distress, we will recommend that they contact Mind and will be actively supporting the charity with fund raising and donations. We will be publishing news about our work in support of Mind in the future and please feel free to contact us if you would like to help in any way.

Further Reading

The following articles outline the affects on mental health after infidelity and relationship issues

]]>https://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/chose-mind-mental-health-charity-designated-charity/feed/0Scotland Yard to use Lie Detector Tests in Counter Terrorism after London Attackshttps://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/scotland-yard-use-lie-detector-tests-counter-terrorism-london-attacks/
https://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/scotland-yard-use-lie-detector-tests-counter-terrorism-london-attacks/#respondTue, 11 Jul 2017 08:31:57 +0000https://www.liedetectortest.uk/?p=140134With the recent London terror attacks, the intelligence services are now considering Lie Detector testing as the most viable way to check validity of specific issues of concern reported by informants.

During the most recent wave of attacks in 2017, some parts of the media repeatedly reported that there was evidence to suggest that there could have been more follow up on information received regarding the perpetrators at earlier stages before the incidents occurred and that the intelligence services did not respond accordingly. With so much inbound misinformation and many sources being unreliable due to previous criminal history and having provided unsubstantiated or misleading reports, you can begin to understand the size of the task at hand.

Lie detector testing is already widely used in the United States for criminal matters and as British intelligence services take stock of the 2017 attacks so far, there has been realisation that there is a need to improve the process. Metropolitan police’s commissioner will be overseeing the implementation into the current framework. It is believed to be at the request of Prime Minister Theresa May that the system be reviewed and a general consensus that polygraph testing would be an alternative and workable solution to validate relevant claims from those which waste resources and are born out of fear, paranoia or provided by informants looking to intentionally misinform.

Lie Detection is paramount to qualify information

If you consider the sheer volume of information gathered using modern technology and furthermore consider that each element of data has the potential to unlock a terrorist strategy and save lives then bringing informants who are making claims into the domain of polygraph testing would not only support the work done by our intelligence services but we believe it would deter false claimers from trying to mislead and waste resources and efforts which could be better directed otherwise. Most people will report anything suspicious and this should always be encouraged as the ground level awareness of the general public is paramount to preventing further atrocities.

Lie Detector Test are already used on Secret Service Agents in the U.S

Apart from in showbiz, the British public is largely in the dark regarding how Lie Detector testing is utilised in more serious matters involving highly sensitive information. In the United Sates for example, there is a rigorous polygraph testing process used in the screening process for all secret service agents and in terms of criminal interrogation there is numerous high profile cases which have been resolved using the resolution methodology.

Artificial Intelligence and retina scanning are just two examples of technology which are helping the traditional testing methods constantly improve thus improving accuracy to previously achievable levels. The relationship between man and machine in the instance of polygraph testing is flourishing as through algorithmic and machine learning technology the information provided by those examined can be processed at a faster and more efficient rate. The human element and experience of an examiner will always be required but as the tools become better the tests become stronger. Ultimately, an experienced examiner who has carried out countless tests will have a sharp instinct which we are some years away from surpassing with AI.

]]>https://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/scotland-yard-use-lie-detector-tests-counter-terrorism-london-attacks/feed/0Professional Lie Detector Test vs Going on the Jeremy Kyle Showhttps://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/lie-detector-test-vs-jeremy-kyle-show/
https://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/lie-detector-test-vs-jeremy-kyle-show/#respondFri, 07 Jul 2017 15:25:47 +0000https://www.liedetectortest.uk/?p=138880 Jeremy Kyle brings Lie Detection into the Limelight The Jeremy Kyle show has certainly brought polygraph examinations into the limelight with the popularity of the show helping to raise awareness of the benefits to resolve issues in an alternative way. We have mixed feelings about the show as in one sense it has been […]

Jeremy Kyle brings Lie Detection into the Limelight

The Jeremy Kyle show has certainly brought polygraph examinations into the limelight with the popularity of the show helping to raise awareness of the benefits to resolve issues in an alternative way. We have mixed feelings about the show as in one sense it has been good to promote our services but at the same time we believe that personal matters should be resolved privately and can understand the appeal as Jeremy is very thorough in his investigation into the matters at hand and helps to resolve issues in most cases as we do.

In recent times the Lie Detector Test has arisen into the public domain much for its purpose and social media, mobile phones and stronger physical evidence through messages, e-mail and Facebook profiles have made perpetrators more susceptible to being caught. It has been noted that infidelity and relationship issues have risen but there is also substantial evidence to suggest that this has been no different from previous times only that there is more evidence to controls to support claims from partners.

We are often asked the question whether if someone is reluctant to take a test that is is an admittance of guilt? but this is not necessarily true as you can see from the TV show that it can be a daunting experience for someone who does not understand the process. If someone is very confident at taking a test this is also not an automatic sign that they are telling the truth as it could very well be that they know if they show any reluctance then this will encourage the other party to proceed. So television and having your problem under the spotlight can greatly amplify the feelings around the relationship as a whole and you should consider this also.

Lie Detector Services are used by business, certain legal matters and far more extensively across the pond in many many criminal matters. Relating back to television if you can remember back as far as the ‘Jerry Springer Show’ in its heyday in the late 90’s then you will see that the format of incorporating the lie detector into a TV show was also very successful there. We tend to have a close connection with our American partners and all of our examiners are trained by the American Polygraph Association (APA)which is the world leading body in the field.

Recent news has suggested the government are considering a more wide spread use of professional lie detection in particular with the rehabilitation of sex offenders and it leads further to making sure that the tests are conducted with the highest level of professionalism and procedures and discipline are maintained as releasing potential re-offenders back into the community would have severe consequences. It does however underline that the government supports and identifies the benefits of using polygraph examinations for such purposes.

We fully support the show and respect guests who wilfully chose to go on the TV show and within the society of examiners we are all very happy to see that our industry has arrived into the limelight. We would only ask that you be mindful of which matters you would like to resolve privately and which would benefit from exposure to a wider audience. All of our locations are discreet and we do not have big high street branches with signs outside as we do not wish to make our clients feel in anyway uneasy or embarrassed about tackling their problems.

This leads on to our final point of the day, that we are often asked about nervousness having an effect on the testing process. Rest assured after many years of study into the field by leading world organisations there is provision in the testing procedure to identify and null any nervousness. In a standard specific issue test there are around 15 questions of which 3 are specific to the issue and these questions are used to build a profile of the examinee and make sure that any abnormal patterns are detected before committing to the key questions.

The reports we provide after are all verified by a second examiner and include charts, scripts and conclusions which are clear to see from the trail of they were drawn. On a final note we wish the show many many years of success and appreciate the goodwill it has generated for our industry. If you are interested in finding out more about booking a lie detector test, please feel free to contact us and arrange a free consultation.

Lie detectors or polygraph machines have a lot of history behind them and there’s probably a lot people don’t know about them. Despite seeming like a very modern invention (some would even say almost futuristic) they have been around for a long time in some form or another. So let’s take a look at 10 things you probably don’t know about lie detectors.

It Was Created By Many People

The polygraph machine is rather unusual because it wasn’t exactly created by one person, in fact, many people helped create what we now know as the lie detector. Cardiologist Sir James McKenzie created one of the first polygraph tests in 1906.
This was later enhanced and further developed by other people later one. Many people cite police officer John Larson and psychologist William Moulton Marston as being two of the main creators of the modern polygraph machine.

It’s Connected To Wonder Woman!

The movie that is breaking box office records today does have a connection to the polygraph machine. William Moulton Marston created the systolic blood pressure test, which was later incorporated into the polygraph test and was also the creator of the DC comic book superhero Wonder Woman.

Polygraph Are Controversial But Still Used By Courts

The accuracy of polygraph tests is controversial but despite that, they are still used by courthouses and police departments all across the world. Showing that despite their controversial nature they are still seen as an effective way to uncover the truth by many official outfits.

Reality TV and Game Shows

Strangely enough polygraph tests have seen a rise in popularity not because of their use in police investigations but because of their use in television. In the UK lie detectors are for better or worse a central part of television shows like Jeremy Kyle and other similar shows like the American Jerry Springer show. They have also been used in a number of game shows like The Moment of Truth.

The Polygraph Test Is Still The Most Accurate Test For Detecting Lies

Despite its age, the polygraph test is still the most effective way to monitor whether people are lying or not. In 2003 the U.S. Department of Energy alongside The National Academy of Sciences formed a study into the polygraph test to assess its effectiveness. The results found that although other methods are available none have been found to be as effective as the polygraph test.

The Polygraph Machine As Gone Through Many Forms

The polygraph machine as gone through many forms during the years and it was only computerised in 1992. This was designed to make the test more accurate and effective and while professional opinion differs most experts agree that in general, a polygraph test is around 98% accurate when properly carried out.

They Are Used In Many Industries

Polygraph machines are used in a wide range of different industries: the police, private investigators, court houses, the military and even organisations like the FBI, MI5, the National Defence Agency and many other security agencies all use polygraph tests.

Lie Detector Toys

Lie Detector toys are available but there is a downside, they are both very expensive and have been shown to be of poor quality. So buying one probably isn’t going to be the best option for the majority of people. Remember it takes skill and experience to operate a polygraph machine correctly so unless you’ve had the proper training buying a polygraph machine is not really advisable.

The Role Of The Examiner

An often overlooked component of any lie detector test is the importance of the examiner, the examiner is responsible for a lot of the work in a lie detector test and it’s actually their work that ensures the polygraph machine gives accurate results.
Without a professional and experienced examiner, a lie detector test could easily give strange readings. The examiner is responsible for prepping and conducting the test and they need strong communication and analytical skills. The lack of an examiner is one of the main reasons home lie detectors are found to be unreliable.

The Polygraph Test Is Carefully Structured

Despite what you might have seen in the movies you aren’t simply hooked up to a polygraph machine and asked a few questions. There’s a lot of work that goes into designing and structuring a lie detector test and the questions you will be asked are carefully chosen to ensure maximum accuracy. There’s a reason polygraph tests run for a number of hours, it’s because every stage of the test must be carefully structured.

]]>https://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-lie-detector/feed/0Dealing with trust issues in a relationshiphttps://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/relationship-lie-detector-test/
https://www.liedetectortest.uk/publications/relationship-lie-detector-test/#respondSat, 13 May 2017 14:02:13 +0000https://liedetectortest.uk/?p=119711The post Dealing with trust issues in a relationship appeared first on Lie Detector Test.
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When relationships break down, trust is often the blamed as the culprit. Arguments get heated, hearts get broken and the whole experience can sour the months or even years of happy memories. After all that, if the truth hasn’t come to light you’re left with loose ends and feelings of doubt that could lead to some real trust issues going forward. Fortunately, there is a way to get to the truth before hearts even get broken.

Could a simple polygraph test be the answer to all your relationship problems?

Think wisely before considering a polygraph test for your relationship: even if the results come back and it turns out there was nothing to worry about, trust might have already been pushed too far to go back. Would you rather learn to trust your partner and try to start again or do you desperately need to know the truth even if it leads to heartbreak? It’s a personal choice that only you can decide.

Can a polygraph test save a relationship?

People take a polygraph test to find answers to all sorts of questions and problems. Some people want to clear their name and set the record straight, others come to accuse and have their partners finally face the music. Whatever your reason is for seeking a lie detector test, the results will finally give you the facts you need to make a decision about your relationship: should you try making amends or call it quits?

Some people would argue that if you rely on a lie detector test the relationship is already over, that you can never build that trust again… but that’s not necessarily true. For many people, once their relationship has deteriorated to the point of needing a polygraph test, the final results offer both partners a huge sense of relief. Finally, everything that wasn’t being said is out in the open and dealt with and you can go forward with a clean slate.

It’s not just people in romantic relationships that can find answers with polygraph tests; colleagues, brothers and sisters and all manner of different people can make use of this tool to help re-build trust and finally gain some closure.

How the polygraph test will work

To use the polygraph test to get the truth from your partner, you’ll need to have questions that they can answer with a simple yes or no. They will also need to have consent for the polygraph test to be carried out on them; it can’t be done without their awareness.
If you’re volunteering to undergo a polygraph test for your partner then you will be provided with a record of the test questions, answers and the results once it is over. You can also ask for the test audio to be recorded if need be.

Picking the right questions for the test is vital. For example, “where have you been going after work?” is not a question that will work with the polygraph machine.

The Jeremy Kyle show might not be to everyone’s taste but it’s a good place to start with ideas of how to phrase the questions you want to ask into a yes/no style. Common questions on the show include:

Since the beginning of your relationship have you had any form of sexual contact / sexual intercourse / romantic feelings with anyone else/a specific person?

Do you tell lies to your partner on a daily basis?

To the best of your knowledge, is a specific person the father of your child?

You won’t be asking these questions yourself, instead a qualified examiner who can use the polygraph machine without bias will ask them clearly and fairly among a range of other general, non-specific questions to get an accurate reading.

You won’t need to wait long for the results of the test; each question will either come back with true, lie or inconclusive.
Once you have the results it’s really up to you how you interpret them and how your relationship goes forward.

Make a decision

A polygraph test won’t tell you what to do going forward, but it lays the truth out for you to see so you can make a good decision based on the facts.

The best advice we can give is to communicate with your partner – that doesn’t mean arguments and shouting! Take the time to sit down, think through the results of the polygraph test and get some perspective. Think about what this all means, picture how you would like to go forward and have a mature conversation with your partner about everything. Don’t lose heart if things can’t be fixed immediately, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Making healthy decisions is more important than the results of the polygraph test so try not to get hung up on them. What matters is how you choose to use the results and how you continue or end things with your partner.

Fixing Trust

If you’re reading this and are still undecided if taking a polygraph test is right for your relationship, take a while to consider what would happen if your suspicions were wrong and your partner was telling the truth. Would you both be able to move on from the test or will the situation be reversed? Could your partner trust you again if it took a lie detector to convince you that they were being truthful? Some people are genuinely happy to take a test to clear their name.

Sometimes it’s lack of trust in the first place that caused problems to arise. Having trust issues is something that you personally need to work on, they won’t simply disappear with the results of a polygraph test. The test is a useful tool however in overcoming these problems.

It might be time to look back over your life and work on the issues that are causing you to mistrust in relationships, whether the test showed you were right or wrong with your suspicions.

It sounds hard to believe, but it is said that the majority of our communication is portrayed through non-verbal communication. Initially, this may seem like an exaggerated statement, maybe even absurd, but it is a discovery backed by multiple scientific findings. We speak with our bodies a lot more than we think. Contrary to popular belief, body language is more than just a facial tick or an increased blink rate. Body language is our actions. It is the communication we relay without the use of words.

The reason this statistic is often considered exaggerated is because of the connotations which come with the words body language. The term implies that we are giving off involuntarily signals our conscious brain isn’t aware of. This isn’t true. We send intentional body language signals constantly. Jumping for joy, waving hello, arching an eyebrow; these are all examples of body language, albeit ones we’re fully aware of. All of these actions portray communication without the use of words.

In today’s society of excessive electronic communication and constant-connectivity, the emphasis we place on words has never been higher. Because of this, the amount of misinformation being spread across the world is at an all-time high due to the increasing reliance we place upon the transmitted word to deliver our thoughts. If the only element of transmitted information we have to rely on is the content itself, it makes it extremely difficult to ascertain its accuracy.

Body language, then, is one such tool which allows us a glimpse of the truth. While it is by no means a concrete certainty, body language serves as an additional layer of information we can use to gauge a person’s authenticity through our awareness of their subconscious actions.

The question often arises as to why humans struggle to conceal their deceit through body language. The answer, which could have a whole book dedicated to itself alone, comes down to a conflict between two separate parts of the brain. When a person is aware they’re lying, a cognitive contradiction arises which manifests itself as discrepancy between verbal and kinaesthetic actions. A suspect in an investigation may claim to have turned left after fleeing a crime scene, but their hands may signal to the right. The same suspect might cover their mouth during pivotal pieces of information, whilst not when revealing more minor details.

It is these unconscious signals given off which we should concern ourselves with when attempting to uncover deceit.

The “tells” to look for may depend on person to person. Each person has their own specific traits, both consciously and unconsciously. However, there are many “universal” signs to look out for.

The Safety Zone

Body language is very Freudian in its concept, meaning that figurative desires often manifest physically. When a person feels as though they’re being interrogated, it is subconscious nature to attempt to magnify the space around them. If they feel cornered in their mind, they will attempt to find open space physically.

People will subconsciously move farther away if they have something to hide. This can be something as minor as leaning more to one direction in order to expand the space between the person and interrogator. They may lean back on their chair or move it farther away from the table than necessary.

Folding one’s arms is a similar indicator of a desire for personal space as it acts as a makeshift barrier around the person. It’s also one of the biggest signs that person is maintain a defensive standpoint; something which heavily indicates dishonesty. This mental barrier is also apparent when a person purposely places an object on the table between themselves and their accuser; maybe a coffee cup or a laptop. It is a psychological barrier manifested as a physical one.

Legs and Feet

It is a common myth that the most telling part of a person’s body is their face. This is entirely incorrect. Most body language experts agree that the most revealing sign of a person’s anatomy is their feet.

For millions of years, the feet have been our primary method of transportation. When a dangerous situation presents itself, we either run, attack or freeze – all of which are initiated by our feet. This primitive instinct remains in us today and is an incredibly effective method of determining a person’s true intentions.

If a person’s feet are pointed in a direction other than directly at you, this indicates a desire to exit the situation. If they are pointed specifically towards the door in the room, there is a good chance they’re concealing the truth from you.

We’ve all seen a person who continually taps their foot against the floor or jitters their legs while they’re sitting. This is usually a sign of nervousness and the desire for the legs to engage in motion (i.e. escape), however it should be mentioned that it is not always indicative of dishonesty.

Crossing one’s legs is very telling of a person’s disposition. For example, if they’re sitting opposite you and their legs are crossed, this is a further example of the literal barrier between you and them, therefore suggesting they have something to hide. However, if they’re sitting at an angle to you, and their legs are crossed but their body still remains ‘open’, this is a sign of positivity.

Arms and Hands

As mentioned above, crossed arms are the biggest indicator of a defensive disposition, and the act itself violates an important body language principle. That is, that a lack of a body language should be treated as suspicious. For example, when we speak, we naturally gesture with our hands when we mention things such as directions, locations, “over there”, up or down, etc. When this lack of gesturing is obvious, it means the bearer is consciously trying to control his body language, indicating some type of guilt.

The natural position for a person’s hands to be in are resting on the table with their palms either facing downwards or together. Sometimes people may place their palms upwards although it is an unnatural position, but still indicates positivity. When a person is lying, their hands may clench together as though they are keeping something concealed in their fists. If not a clenched hand, their palms may also “fold” (into a type of lightly-held fist).

Mid-Section

As with the arms and hands, our mid sections (particularly our waist) are fluid during natural conversation. We often turn to face the people we’re talking to and our whole mid-section tends to move along with us. Therefore, it is the absence of this motion which indicates dishonesty.

If the person you’re speaking to is unnaturally “stiff”, it is a form of defence against their body language tells being noticed. You may be familiar with the age-old notion of ‘fight or flight’. In a scenario such as simply talking one on one with a person, neither fight nor flight is really option as both lean themselves quite heavily towards guilt. Instead, a third option makes itself known: freeze.

Shoulders

Everyone is familiar with the universal shrug of the shoulders which basically says “I don’t know”. When someone is presented with a question they genuinely don’t know the answer to, their shrug will be “fully-formed”; it will be done with gusto. They will actively raise their shoulders from the ground in unison and have complete control of them until they’re lowered again. It is this defying-of-gravity actions with the shoulders which shows that a person is confident and committed to what the claims they’re making.

In contrast, a person who is lying will give a kind of half-shrug. It will be uncontrolled, sloppy, shoulders may be unequal (one may rise higher than the other), the shoulders won’t lift very high and the shrug will last barely a second.

In short, strong shoulders are honest, weak shoulders are liars.

Face

Any facial expression which lingers for longer than is necessary is a sign the person is hiding something. Think of a child being told off while he maintains a smug grin – an unnatural reaction to mask his true feelings.

A person’s rate of blinking may increase during times of distress. We blink between 10-20 times per minute, and this will increase to around 40-45 times if a person is hiding something. Unconscious head movements which contradict verbal statements are particularly revealing. For example, a person may say “I wasn’t involved” while their head slightly moves forward, mimicking a nod.

Any kind of trembling in the face will also indicate nervousness, particular after a period of time when the nervousness should have subsided. This is particularly noticeable in a person’s lips. If their mouth quivers, they are likely not telling the truth. If at any point they also “hide” their lips, i.e. by squeezing them together until their lips retract from view, this is a sign of extreme discomfort and likely deceit.

In a celebrity world dominated by the media, gossip and rumours, how do we know what to trust when a scandal breaks? Some of our favourite celebrities have been caught out in a fall from grace. Here are 5 that could have done with taking a lie detector test to settle things once and for all!

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States. A clear speaking and popular president, he left office with an approval rating that equalled that of Ronald Reagan and Franklin D. Roosevelt. But his credibility as a moral upstanding pillar of society was tarnished when allegations and scandal erupted in 1998.

During his presidency, Bill Clinton lied about having an extra-marital relationship with White House employee Monica Lewinsky. The affair came to light when Miss Lewinsky testified that she did not have any sexual relationship with Clinton but recorded telephone conversations proved otherwise.

By the end of the month the media speculation had built to such a level that Clinton felt obliged to address them. On the 26th January 1998 in a public, televised statement he knowingly and categorically lied to the world, with the now famous words “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.”

The scandal refused to be put to bed and things escalated as more evidence was brought forward until the improper relationship was confirmed by Clinton in a televised statement 6 months later. If he had been made to have a lie detector from day 1 the American public would not have been misled by their president for over half a year. Clinton was subsequently impeached becoming the second president to suffer that fate, however was acquitted of any wrongdoing.
The stain was left though and Clinton will always be defined by the loose morals and the deception over anything constructive he did in office.

David Beckham

David Beckham is an internationally recognised ex-football player. He is the face of many designer brands and his endorsements generate him revenue in the millions each year. In the 90’s David Beckham became the poster boy of football.
In 2004, the News of the World broke the story of an affair with Rebecca Loos, Beckham’s former personal assistant. She claimed that they had the affair in Madrid in 2003. Beckham claimed these allegations to be false, but by now the media was in a frenzy over the story.

Beckham continues to deny all allegations and Loos (now living out of the spotlight in Scandinavia) still says she has no regrets over going public with the story. Since then Beckham has faced other allegations that he paid for prostitutes, and again he claims these to be false. Perhaps the most telling thing is that the latter allegations Beckham fought by making legal challenges however he did not take any legal action when the Loo’s story broke. Is he telling the truth? A lie detector test would have found out!

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong is a disgraced former professional American cyclist, known for winning the Tour de France 7 consecutive times and the doping allegations that followed.
Doping allegations come to light in 2004 and were always littering the background of what publicly was perceived as an extraordinary career. Armstrong always vigorously fought the allegations but when a federal investigation was launched it was not long before the façade crumbled and Armstrong was exposed as both a liar and a cheat. The US anti-doping agency investigation concluded that he had been doping for most of his professional career and was most likely a ringleader that enabled other cyclists in his team to dope undetected. As a result, all of his Tour de France titles were stripped from him along with several other awards over his career.

A year later in 2013, Armstrong admits to some of the doping allegations but still won’t confirm the extent of how prevalent it really was. Armstrong is a great example of why all athletes submit to a lie detector test along with their drugs tests.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is one of the most successful golfers of all time and through his endorsements he is by far the most financially successful golfer in history. The American has been a professional golfer since he was just 20 years old. He was exceptionally talented and rose through golfing ranks quickly, consistently picking up accolade after accolade along the way.
Unlike the celebrities above Woods didn’t lie to protect his reputation, instead he chose to remain silent on the matter in the hope that the media attention would diminish. The media storm only built up momentum and it wasn’t long before Woods made a statement confirming he had made “transgressions.”

Woods then made several statements apologising for his infidelity and retiring from golfing – despite this it’s not been confirmed how many of the infidelity allegations made against Woods are true. Presumably some were constructed for financial gain or perhaps Woods is really the prolific philanderer that the media would have you believe.
There is a web of deceit around Tiger Wood’s infidelity and only Tiger knows the true extent of it all. The shame with Wood’s personal problems is that they have forever tarnished the most remarkable golf career in history.

OJ Simpson

OJ Simpson, aka The Juice, is a former American footballer and in my opinion the best running back the NFL has ever seen. He later went on to presenting and acting, and if you believe the LAPD, murdering. He is currently serving time for armed robbery and known for an internationally publicised trial in 1994, named the trial of the century.
Simpson was a person of interest in the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her boyfriend. After an emotional few days which involved refusing to hand himself in, a suicide note with a smiley face in the O and a low speed pursuit in a white Bronco, Simpson was brought to trial for the murders.

The interesting thing is that OJ Simpson actually took a lie detector test, he failed miserably. It was at this point his legal team considered an insanity defence. The evidence at the trial was largely circumstantial, the DNA evidence the prosecution did have was certainly not handled in a way that DNA evidence should be. Failings of the LAPD and racial tensions eventually led the jury to a quick not guilty verdict. Jurors would later comment that the case against Simpson was not proven beyond reasonable doubt and a not guilty verdict was correct. He continues to maintain his innocence.

To this day everyone has an opinion on his guilt and it continues to generate interest including the dramatization starring Cuba Gooding Jr as Simpson. FX’s The People vs OJ Simpson: American Crime Story. Why don’t you watch it and decide for yourself?

The military, CIA, FBI and other US Government organisations hold many secrets and are the foundation of thousands of conspiracy theories. From highly classified documents to secretive interrogations and missions, they must have some way to decipher who’s trustworthy and who’s not. So it comes as no surprise then that they rely heavily on the use of lie detectors.

Military applications

For the everyday person applying to become a US soldier, there’s no routine polygraph test to be taken. When it comes to special programs however, the US military does employ the use polygraphs to interview applicants. Special access programs or jobs that require you to handle classified documentation are where you’re most likely to be asked to take a polygraph test.

There are usually 2 types of polygraph tests: lifestyle and counterintelligence. For lifestyle, they don’t mean what type furniture you buy or if you have your toast buttered on both sides. They’ll be asking questions about any background you have in crime, drug usage and any other subversive activity. Counterintelligence questions are more likely to be focused around terrorist activity, involvement with foreign nationals or intelligence, and of course, any intent to compromise classified info.

Federal job positions often require a polygraph test regardless of clearance levels. This is to vet out potentially dangerous individuals having access to the nation’s security. They also look to keep out people that are affiliated with paramilitary groups and other domestic radical organisations. Most military polygraph tests will ask questions limited to counterintelligence and terrorism without going into anything personal.

Catching spies

Lie detectors have been used to weed out spies within the CIA and other top secret US agencies for decades. Even some of the best soviet spies with the highest levels of training have been caught out by the simple polygraph test.

Harold James Nicholson is one of those spies caught out by lie detectors. There was constant fear and suspicion that the USSR/Russian federation was planting spies in the military and other US government authorities during the 1990s.
Nicholson was authorized to have meetings at the Russian embassy while he was working for the CIA in Malaysia, but after the last of these meetings the CIA discovered that an untraceable $12,000 was wired into his account. As suspicions rose the CIA had him take 3 polygraph tests. He failed all of them. The CIA took this as a heads up that they should be careful around Nicholson. Within moments he went from a trusted ally to an enemy agent. The CIA then kept a close eye on him before arresting him as he was about to board a plane carrying classified CIA computer files. He is said to be the highest ranking CIA official ever convicted of spying for a foreign power. And his capture would not have been possible without the valuable tool of the lie detector test.

Lie detectors to interrogate people

Like in US court, military lie detectors are not admissible as evidence in a military court. Most of this comes down to a mistrust of efficacy rather than basis in real science.

Essentially, more primitive versions of the modern lie detector test failed to stand up to scrutiny and land mark rulings were made decades ago. The modern polygraph test goes much further than simply measuring heart rates and is widely considered an invaluable tool in eliminating suspects from an investigation.

Commonly the test is used when interrogating suspects. Whether it’s suspected terrorism, espionage or other lesser crimes, the polygraph test has proved a brilliant and effective tool in deciding whether a suspect needs closer scrutiny.
Many criminals have actually confessed merely upon the threat of being subjected to a lie detector test. Such confessions are corroborated with disclosure of information that only the perpetrator would know such as the location of a body or how the crime was committed.

The hand-held polygraph machine

Not surprisingly the US military trusts the technology with American lives. Since 2008 it has come to light that mini polygraph machines known as PCASS (Preliminary Credibility Assessment Screening System) have been in use by the US military in Afghanistan.

They’re fairly simple devices and don’t go into as much detail as a full polygraph test. They just flash red when the subject deviates from topics they believe are the truth. It’s used as a practical test to evaluate how deceptive people are being during interrogations and as a screening before they’re allowed access to military bases.

Using 2 electrodes this small device is attached to the hand to measure stress when answering a series of set questions. It’s hoped that this device will aid US forces in narrowing down lists of suspects and determining trustworthiness of local police officials. With many attacks from insurgents on military bases at a local level these devices could really save lives.

Around the world, countries are using lie detectors to aid their military and government work, from the US to Singapore, from Australia to the UK. In some way or another, many governments see polygraph tests as a useful tool for the military.